The Panda Cam is back!

Wednesday night Congress passed legislation to reopen the government allowing the Smithsonian Institution to re-launch its popular webcam of the National Zoo pandas. The panda cam can be found on the National Zoo’s website and showcases 24-hour coverage of the popular pandas that reside at the Zoo.

As of 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning the camera was up and running and showing Mei Xiang sleeping with her eight week old cub. If you are experiencing any technical difficulties, the Zoo alerted its viewers not to worry, possible interruptions are normal.

The cams can only handle a limited number of connections. After 15 min. viewers need to refresh the cam page to continue to watch the cams.

16 days ago the National Zoo sent out a tweet letting its loyal fans know that the panda cam would be closed durign the shutdown because the staff who ran the cameras were deemed non-essential causing an outrage among animal lovers and becoming a symbol of America’s frustration with Washington.

While the National Zoo will not re-open until Friday, the Smithsonian museums opened at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday along with other National Parks nationwide that have been closed during the shutdown